Cheesy Cauliflower Broccoli Gratin (Printable)
Tender cauliflower and broccoli baked in a creamy cheese sauce with a crispy golden topping.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (approximately 21 ounces)
02 - 1 medium head broccoli, cut into florets (approximately 14 ounces)
→ Cheese Sauce
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
05 - 1 ½ cups whole milk
06 - 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
07 - ½ cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
08 - ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
10 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Topping
11 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower and broccoli florets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring continuously, for one minute.
04 - Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
05 - Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until cheeses have melted and sauce is smooth.
06 - Place the drained cauliflower and broccoli evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables.
07 - In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the gratin.
08 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the gratin is bubbling.
09 - Allow the gratin to rest for five minutes before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It brings together tender cauliflower and broccoli with a luscious, creamy cheese sauce that feels like a warm hug.
- The crispy golden topping adds an irresistible crunch that makes every bite exciting and satisfying.
02 -
- Don&t overcook the broccoli and cauliflower in the boiling step because they will continue to cook in the oven and you want a tender yet firm texture.
- Using a mix of cheddar and Gruyère cheeses gives that perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess that changes the whole dish for the better.
03 -
- Whisk the flour into melted butter thoroughly to avoid lumps in the sauce—it makes all the difference.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg lightly enhances the cheese sauce mimicking classic French techniques for gratins.